Bristol Housing Authority Settles Age Discrimination Suit

BRISTOL — The Bristol Housing Authority has settled an age discrimination suit with former director Samuel Kasparian in exchange for a cash settlement and benefits for Kasparian and his wife.

Attorneys for both sides hammered out the agreement this week, and Kasparian is expected to sign it today. The settlement must also be approved by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Lawyers for both sides have declined to give details of the settlement.

But previous statements by Kasparian's lawyer and information on the medical coverage would place the total value of the settlement at about $100,000.

The settlement averts a hearing before the state human rights commission in March.

Kasparian, 68, sued the housing authority board claiming he was not rehired when his contract ran out in 1993 because of his age.

Kasparian was 65 at the time, and was replaced by Laurel Robinson, who was 16 years younger. Kasparian had held the post since 1989.

Kasparian said he was denied severance pay and continued health insurance for himself and his wife.

Housing authority lawyer Alfred Morrocco Jr. said the authority's decision to hire Robinson over Kasparian was an issue of merit, not age.

The housing authority claimed Kasparian was let go because he lacked grant-writing and computer skills.

An investigation by the state Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities found that not to be true.

Under the settlement, Kasparian will receive severance payment, plus medical insurance for himself and his wife for the next 10 years. The city pays $114 a month for supplemental medical coverage.